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A. No, the majority of cancer occurs by chance. Only approximately 5-10%, is due to a specific genetic fault (mutation).
A. Increased cancer screening is often available which aims to detect cancer at an earlier more treatable stage.
Medications may also be available to lower your risk of cancer. For example; Tamoxifen can lower the risk of breast cancer, aspirin lowers the risk of bowel cancer and the combined oral contraceptive pill lowers the risk of ovarian cancer. However, these medications have side effects and you should talk to a doctor before taking them.
In some situations surgery may be available to lower the risk of cancer. Lifestyle changes such as; changes to diet, increasing exercise, and stopping smoking can also reduce the risk of cancer.
A. The causes of cancer and links to genetics are complicated, there is not just one gene that can cause cancer and even with a ‘normal’ genetic cancer test result you may still have an increased risk of cancer. Genetic counselling explains your personal cancer risk and what genetic cancer testing can tell you. It is also important to recommend appropriate cancer screening. Following genetic counselling some people will decide to continue with genetic testing and some will decide not to.
A. Genetic testing looks at the DNA code for a specific gene or genes known to be associated with cancer. It provides information about the gene(s) which are analysed and is usually performed on a blood or saliva sample. Results are normally available in 3-4 weeks. There are several different types of testing available including:
A. If any of the following are true of your family, you may be at an increased risk of hereditary cancer and genetic testing may be of benefit;
A. Depending on the results, genetic testing may help determine the best type of surgery and chemotherapy for you. In addition, genetic testing can help determine your risk of cancer in future as well as ways to reduce your risk and appropriate cancer screening. Genetic cancer testing can also give your relatives and children information about their cancer risk.
A. One of our Genetic Counsellors would be happy to provide you with a genetic cancer risk assessment and answer any questions that you have. If you decide to have genetic counselling that does not mean you have to have genetic testing.
A. Genetic Counsellors are uniquely trained individuals who specialise in helping individuals and their families understand and manage their risk of inherited cancer.
A. A Genetic Counsellor will:
A. No, you do not normally need a referral.
A. Only if you want us to. At GeneHealth UK we are very careful about your privacy and will only share information if you ask us to. If you do ask us, we are always happy to ensure your doctors are fully aware of any genetic cancer testing that has taken place and of any cancer screening recommendations.
A. Most insurance companies will cover genetic testing if you have been diagnosed with cancer and have a 10% risk of having a genetic mutation. We are happy to contact your insurance company to determine whether you are covered.
A. Yes, our genetic cancer tests use the same technology as those offered through the NHS. In addition, BowelGene, ProstateGene, OvarianGene and BreastGene are more comprehensive and include some genes which are not routinely yet available through the NHS. The genetic counsellor can provide you with more information.
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